Harry Cummins
Lupita Nyong’o recently opened up about the deep grief she feels over the death of her friend and co-star, Chadwick Boseman. At the BFI London Film Festival, Nyong’o reflected on their time together while watching a clip from their groundbreaking film “Black Panther.” The moment brought her to tears, revealing just how much Boseman’s absence continues to impact her life.
Nyong’o shared her emotions candidly during the panel discussion. “I have to admit, I haven’t seen the film since Chadwick died, so I’m having a moment,” she remarked. Her grief, she explained, stems from the profound love she held for Boseman. “The grief is just the love, with no place to put it, right … I don’t run away from the tears or the grief, you know? You just live with it.”
Chadwick Boseman’s Legacy
Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 43 due to colon cancer, became an icon in Hollywood largely through his role as T’Challa in “Black Panther.” This film, released in 2018, broke box office records and grossed more than $1 billion, making it the highest-grossing movie with a primarily Black cast. Boseman’s portrayal inspired countless Black youths globally and reshaped the landscape of superhero films.
At the recent event, Nyong’o, who played Nakia in the film, expressed the lasting impact of their collaboration. She stated, “That experience will never be separate from the love that was formed. I watch this clip and I’m filled with grief … I don’t know whether I’ll ever be done shedding my tears from losing my friend. But I’m like, ‘We get to see him alive.’ And that’s so wonderful.”
The Challenges of “Black Panther” Production
Reflecting on the film’s production, Nyong’o also described the initial fears surrounding the project. She noted that Marvel executives were uncertain about the film’s success. “There was a lot of fear from the executives,” Nyong’o recalled. “Marvel was shaking in their boots and we were too because we knew we only had once chance and we had to do it right.”
Despite these challenges, “Black Panther” went on to become a cultural phenomenon, significantly impacting the film industry. Nyong’o emphasized that their success “totally shattered the myth that Black doesn’t sell.”
A Tribute to Friendship
Two months prior to the London event, Nyong’o took to social media to pay tribute to Boseman, sharing a poignant quote about grief: “Grief never ends. But it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It’s the price of love.” She concluded her heartfelt message with the words: “Remembering Chadwick Boseman. Forever.”
Nyong’o’s reflections remind us of the enduring bonds of friendship and the powerful legacy that Chadwick Boseman left behind. His work continues to resonate in the hearts of many, and Nyong’o’s emotional honesty serves as a testament to that lasting impact.
As the cast of “Black Panther” looks ahead, the memory of Boseman will undoubtedly influence their future projects. Nyong’o’s recent insights not only highlight her personal journey of grief but also celebrate the monumental strides made within the film industry regarding representation and storytelling.
In remembering Chadwick Boseman, Nyong’o emphasizes a vital truth: love and grief are intertwined, and the stories we tell can keep memories alive
